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By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Jigjiga, Ethiopia — 31 January 2026 Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti on Saturday held a high-level trilateral summit in the eastern Ethiopian city of Jigjiga, bringing together Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss strengthening cooperation on issues of shared regional importance.
The summit focused on enhancing economic cooperation, advancing regional connectivity and infrastructure projects, and improving coordination on security and stability challenges across the Horn of Africa, according to regional officials.
The talks come amid renewed efforts by the three countries to deepen integration in trade, transport, and energy, while jointly addressing cross-border security threats and broader regional instability.
Earlier on Saturday, Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ismaïl Omar Guelleh arrived in Jigjiga, where they were welcomed at Garaad Wiil-Waal Airport by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, Mustafa Muhumed Omar, the Somali Regional State Information Office said.
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The head of Kenya’s intelligence agency, Noordin Mohamed Haji, arrived in the city ahead of the summit, underscoring the wider regional attention surrounding the meeting.
The Jigjiga summit takes place against the backdrop of long-standing historical and strategic ties linking Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia. Djibouti serves as Ethiopia’s primary maritime gateway, while Somalia plays a central role in regional security dynamics. The three countries have increasingly emphasized coordinated approaches to economic development and regional security.
Regional officials said the meeting reflects a shared commitment by the three leaders to strengthen dialogue, enhance coordination, and promote stability and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.
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